Find ‘Wicked Success’ With Tips From Vickie Milazzo

Vickie Milazzo visited the KCAL9 studios Wednesday to talk about how women can make changes around tax time. Vickie is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman.”
TIPS:

–Do you have the W-2 blues? Does your W-2 serve as a reminder each year that once again your income hasn’t lived up to your dreams? This year, really take the time to assess where you are. Have your “Wages, Tips, Other Compensation” revealed once again that you’re stuck? Consider what you can do to increase your earning power and then take at least one big action step toward achieving that goal. For example, take online courses to earn an advanced degree or put your name in the running for a promotion.

–Where did all the money go? Do you use your money in ways that deliver big payoffs for you? If not, start spending on the things that are important to you. A trip to the mountains may look too expensive until you consider how renewed and reinvigorated you will be when you return. Bringing that renewed energy back to your life and work can pay big dividends.

–Have you been underpricing yourself? Maybe you love your job. You love your colleagues. You even love your boss. And yet, the figure in Box 1 on your W-2 makes you feel like you’re getting the short end of the stick. If that’s the case, Milazzo advises that it’s time to stop under pricing yourself and start campaigning now for your year-end pay raise, promotion or other benefits you deserve.

–Do you deserve a refund? Of course, we’d all love a hefty refund from Uncle Sam. But if you won’t be receiving a refund with a dollar sign attached to it, consider refunding yourself in another replenishing way. With days, weeks, and months that are packed full of responsibility, you can’t exactly head to the spa, to the nearest mountain for a hike, or to wherever you go to relax and reflect on a moment’s notice. But you can make small changes that will leave you feeling renewed and replenished. For example, take a daily walk to clear your mind and think about your long-term goals. Or set aside at least one technology-free hour each day, where you put your e-mail, smartphone and social network out of your mind and read the book you’ve been meaning to get to. Whatever you do, start making renewal time a priority.